OSCE Centre in Bishkek holds events to help Kyrgyzstan combat corruption
BISHKEK, 9 December 2010 - The OSCE Centre in Bishkek today launched an anti-corruption campaign that comprises a film, posters and information banners - and hot beverages - to encourage all stakeholders to do their part to fight corruption.
The launch of the campaign coincides with the UN-designated International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December.
"We started a systemized fight against corruption," Kyrgyzstan President Roza Otunbaeva says, in the film, shown today on one of the main squares in Bishkek. The government had moved decisively toward combating corruption through measures such as a thorough audit of the main state energy companies, and it would continue to do so, she added.
"A lot can always be done to clear out corruption. But there has to be the will to do so", Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said in the film prepared for the project. "The society - every citizen - must recognize that paying a bribe is as bad as receiving one."
Speaking at the public square today, Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said it was important that all are aware that corruption is bad for all.
"With these events, we hope to create an understanding that bribery must be ostracized by the whole society in order to improve the standard of living for all."
The film was shown today, where an information stand also provided visitors with information about the fight against corruption and - very important on a cold day - hot tea and coffee.
The film comprises interviews with political leaders, civil society representatives, international officials and Kyrgyzstan residents who talk about corruption and the shadow economy, and share their views on how to fight it. The film was jointly produced by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Anti-Corruption Business Council, a non-governmental organization, which also is carrying out a series of anti-corruption projects with support from the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
The campaign also includes posters and banners to encourage all to do their part to fight corruption.
Kyrgyzstan ranks 164 out of 178 states on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index.